As you would guess from this view, the library started as a Carnegie.
It's set in a large park with attractive landscaping.
But it really is quite hot...let's get inside. The first thing I saw was a sign on the main door: "Our AC is temporarily fixed as of Wednesday 6/26." Once inside, I learned that a lightning strike had fried the AC (and more) a few days before. For a few days the library closed at 1 pm, avoiding the hottest part of the day. They had resumed normal hours when I was there. [I've worked in a library with broken AC, and it's not fun. I hope everything is sorted out and working correctly now.]
The first floor of the library is almost all for the kids. This "plus sign" table certainly caught my eye.
A cozy corner for reading is by the foot of the stairs, with a fan standing by in case it is needed.
Summer reading programs are for everyone in Carthage: Primary, Intermediate, Young Adult, and Adult. The adult prizes are represented by these astro-themed boxes. If I recall correctly, the adult reader places earned tokens of some sort in the box representing the prize they'd like to win.
In a sticker version of painting by numbers, kids are filling in a picture by putting the right color sticker on each lettered square. What will be revealed? Read on, kids, and find out.
Each corner of the library is utilized, including this nook next to what used to be the outside wall of the Carnegie building.
The poster on the back wall here says, "The Force Is Strong With Those Who Read."
Here's a general look at the youth area. The near shelf held several books from the News Literacy series. They look good, so I've put in a request at my home library. It's a really important topic!
Books in Spanish for early readers. [Thank you, Google Translate]
There are eight computers for youth ages 7 to 12. They have to check in with a librarian before using a computer, and there is no access to social media. Not a bad idea, I think.
Computers for younger kids have colorful keyboards and pre-loaded software. No Internet, I'm sure.
Approaching the toddler and preschool area we find something I started seeing a couple of years ago. Here it's called a "Yucky Bucket," and it's for parents to place toys that have been chewed on or otherwise soiled, so the staff can clean them.
Here's the Yucky Bucket in its normal environment, along with shelves and bins of toys. And with wonderful large windows for natural light.
As at many libraries around the country, the summer reading program here has an outer space theme.
It's time to head upstairs. We start in the newer building, not the Carnegie. You can't tell from my exterior pictures, since I was too close to the building, but we are under a dome. Here at the top of the stairs the large print books are on stacks arranged like rays. making good use of the rounded space.
Computers for patron use are arrayed on shelves overlooking the first floor. Adult fiction books are on the stacks in the background. Non-fiction books are shelved along the walls.
The teen area is full of signs. One designates that the space is for teens only--and no beverages or snacks are allowed!
Laptops are available for teens to use in the library. Having worked in a library and dealt with issues of "last minute" transactions before closing, I wholeheartedly support the policy that they must be turned in 15 minutes before closing.
The Carthage Public Library Teen Department is now on Instagram!! This is no doubt the best way to communicate with teen patrons.
I'm savvy enough (just barely) to know that this picture is a TARDIS and to know that it is a time machine, or something that is larger inside than it appears from the outside. But what I like about this poster is the message that books are the best weapons.
Let's just say it up front: Keep track of your stuff! Especially stuff that shouldn't end up at the police department!
There are three small study rooms; two of them have these attractive maple leaf patterns etched on the glass.
There are also several study tables by the window wall.
Now we are under the dome in the Carnegie building. Something I would have missed if a librarian hadn't told me to "look up" : The stained glass up near the dome. I recommend looking up whenever you are in a library; there are often surprises on the upper walls and ceiling.
This puzzle is almost complete. Just a day after this trip I saw a bit of click bait on my computer promising to show me surprising new things to be found at libraries. Irresistible...but one of the items was "jigsaw puzzles to be worked on communally." Sorry folks, that's not new. Nowadays I see puzzles underway in perhaps half of all the libraries I visit. What a simple, inexpensive way to build community!
The old part of the building houses old things, like the card catalog and a very old typewriter.
Given that the Carnegie libraries were built early in the last century, fireplaces were essential. .
Once again, remember to look up!
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Sorry about the "verification" step; I added it after a rash of spammish comments.